A Victorian school and a travel company have been charged over the “preventable” death of a diabetic teenager who died on an overseas school trip almost five years ago.
The 16-year-old later died from brain damage due to severe diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes.
In a statement issued today, WorkSafe Victoria said Kilvington Grammar and World Challenge have been charged over the incident.
“WorkSafe alleges the school failed, so far as was reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of illness or death to diabetic students on school trips,” it said in a statement.
“World Challenge Expeditions faces three charges under section 23(1) of the OHS Act for failing to ensure that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.
“WorkSafe alleges the tour company failed, so far as was reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk of illness or death to participating students, including those with diabetes.”
Cook became ill with symptoms including vomiting and slurred speech while on a bus to the central Vietnam city of Hue on September 26.
He was given Panadol, water and anti-nausea medication but his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.
He was later flown to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital where he was declared brain dead.
At an inquest last year, Coroner Audrey Jamieson ruled the teenager’s death “tragic and preventable”.
Jamieson found two Kilvington teachers on the trip, along with the World Challenge leader, were not trained to support students with diabetes.
“There is clear and cogent evidence that the failures and shortcomings of World Challenge Expeditions and Kilvington Grammar School contributed to (Lachlan’s) death,” Jamieson said.
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